Playoff hopes took a turn for the worse as Charlotte came home from a 1-3 trip out West. It has often been said the toughest game is the first following a Western journey. It’s made even more daunting with Sunday’s 1 p.m. tip … Part of the reason why Kemba Walker’s name was bandied about in trade rumours was how the franchise wanted to get out from under some bad contracts, one of the reasons why the club hasn’t been able to turn the corner since the NBA returned to Charlotte … Walker is admired in the city and fans probably would have turned off the Hornets had they traded their one and only star.

MARQUEE MATCHUP

Kemba Walker vs. Kyle Lowry

Two all-star point guards going toe to toe, two guys whose offence can overwhelm teams when each is in rhythm. Both can get into the teeth of the offence and when their shot is on both have limitless range. Walker is quicker than Lowry, but Lowry will get into you and force turnovers with his quick hands. There’s no more fierce a competitor as Lowry, who relishes these moments when matched up against an elite point guard such as Walker. The two will battle each other again during all-star weekend, Lowry playing for Team Steph, Walker for Team LeBron as an injury fill-in for John Wall.

DID YOU KNOW?

Charlotte acquired Willy Hernangomez from New York for Johnny O’Bryant and two future second-round picks on trade deadline day Thursday. The big man from Spain has given the Raptors some issues in the past, but it remains to be seen whether Hernangomez suits up Sunday … When Toronto visited Charlotte on Dec. 20, the Raptors scored 40 second-quarter points en route to a 129-111 win.